Stuart Bowden discusses dying in 2084, turrets and seagull to pigeon ratios.
Tell us about your Fringe show
It is a storytelling/comedy/eulogy/experimental/live music/dance/theatre experience. It is sad, funny, simple, messy and sometimes maybe beautiful. I wrote the show just before I died in 2084. It is about the time I went to a distant planet to set up a colony there.
Best thing about the Fringe?
I usually treat it as a place to really experiment with a new show and test it's boundaries. It's also a great time to meet and hang out with artists from all over the world.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
The weather/emotional forecast changability.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
I've done the fringe five times and the International Festival once.
Favourite Fringe venue?
The first year I was here I performed in peoples lounge rooms all over Edinburgh, it's always nice to be welcomed into peoples homes to perform.
Best Fringe memory?
I once performed to a room of 12 reviewers and one punter, oh hang on that was the absolute worst.
Best heckle?
During a show someone ran onto the stage, took a plastic golf club off me and chased me around with it, that's a kind of physical heckle I guess.
Craziest on stage experience?
I was once chased out of a building by the audience, but the stage exit door had been locked so I was trapped, they attacked, the venue manager had to quickly rush me to a different door so I could escape.
What’s on your rider?
Stage or place to perform, lighting, chairs (suitable for sitting on), 60 audience members, 45 bed sheets.
How do you wind down after a show?
Sneak into Greyfriars Kirkyard, climb a tree and watch the fireworks (sometimes weeping).
What do you love about Scotland?
The turrets.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The seagull to pigeon ratio.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
I often avoid the royal mile during fringe time.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
It really varies to be honest, some like the poo ones, some don't a lot of it comes down to life experiences I guess.
Favourite joke?
I like the jokes that can not be explained or repeated, the ones for the people who where there at the time.
Stuart Bowden will perform at Underbelly, Cowgate on August 12-16, 18-23 and 25-30.
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